The Art of Picnicking
Twin Farms, Vermont — How a Simple Picnic Can Elevate a Trip
There are few travel moments more charming—or more underestimated—than the picnic. A well-planned outdoor meal has an ease and intimacy that few dining rooms can replicate. But at Twin Farms, a Relais & Châteaux retreat tucked into the hills of Barnard, Vermont, the picnic becomes something altogether more refined. Here, the team turns an age-old pastime into an art form—where a quiet hike, a handcrafted menu, and a thoughtful setting combine to create one of travel’s purest luxuries: time well spent.
For our travel advisor Kristin, her stay at Twin Farms centered around one such experience—the Lean-to picnic, a secluded mountain hideaway with a sweeping view of Copper Pond. It wasn’t just the beauty of the setting that made it memorable, but the way every element felt considered, personalized, and grounded in the rhythm of the surrounding landscape.
Photo courtesy of Twin FarmsA Place Designed for Slow Living
Twin Farms is the kind of place that reminds you what refined hospitality looks like when it meets nature. Originally the private estate of Nobel Prize–winning author Sinclair Lewis, the property spans 300 acres of forests, meadows, and quiet ponds. Each corner of the estate seems purpose-built for reflection—though none so perfectly as the spaces reserved for picnicking.
Rather than a simple basket and blanket, Twin Farms offers a collection of curated seasonal picnic destinations—each one designed to highlight the textures and tones of Vermont’s ever-changing landscape.
For Warmer Months:
The Farm Pergola – A sunlit garden setting surrounded by wildflowers and bees from the property’s hives, perfect for an alfresco lunch among blooms.
Jake’s Fishing Shack – Set beside the pond, where you can cast a line or simply sit back and watch the light ripple across the water.
The Meadow – A wide, open space ideal for sprawling out under the summer sky with fresh salads, fruits, and a chilled bottle of rosé.
Copper Pond Landing – A tranquil lakeside picnic, complete with kayaks and rowboats nearby for a lazy afternoon on the water.
For Cooler Months:
The Lift Shack – A rustic ski-side cabin outfitted with a fire pit and cozy seating, offering a warm reprieve after a snowy walk.
The Cabana – A tucked-away hideout perfect for a winter picnic by a wood stove, with hot soup, mulled wine, and locally baked bread.
The Lean-to – Kristin’s favorite—a three-sided log structure midway up the ski hill with a fire pit, bench seating, and a bean bag for two.
The idea is simple but beautiful: to help guests experience the landscape through its seasons, one meal at a time.
Kristin’s Lean-to Picnic: A Scene Straight from a Storybook
For Kristin and her husband, the experience began with a short, scenic hike, about two miles roundtrip from the main house. The path wound gently through the forest, where dappled sunlight filtered through the trees and the sound of crunching leaves mixed with birdsong. “It was the kind of walk where you find yourself slowing down,” she said, “because every turn offers something worth noticing.”
When they reached the Lean-to, the view unfolded before her: a three-sided log structure tucked halfway up one of Twin Farms’ private ski trails, overlooking Copper Pond. The setup felt at once rustic and elegant, bench seating dressed with soft throws, a coffee table for two, and a bean bag placed perfectly for lounging and admiring the view. The crackle of wood smoke and the faint mountain breeze gave the space the feeling of a private alpine lodge.
Awaiting their arrival was a beautifully arranged picnic—prepared by the same culinary team that oversees the property’s celebrated dining program. On their table sat a spread of Vermont cheeses, garden-fresh salads, warm bread, and delicate pastries, paired with a crisp bottle of rosé chosen by the sommelier. “Nothing was rushed; everything had intention.”
The Art in the Details
What makes Twin Farms’ picnics extraordinary isn’t just their beauty, it’s their orchestration. Every element feels effortless, yet it’s clear that immense care has gone into creating that illusion of ease.
Before the picnic, the staff consults each guest’s preferences—favorite wines, allergies, preferred hike length, even whether you like to arrive to a warm fire or start it yourself. Once you set off, the culinary team assembles your meal and delivers it to your chosen spot, timed so that everything arrives fresh and at the perfect temperature.
And perhaps most importantly: when you leave, the staff quietly returns to restore the space, leaving no trace but the memory.
It’s the same meticulous attention to detail that runs throughout Twin Farms’ entire guest experience. From the hand-selected artwork in each cottage to the locally sourced honey and herbs used in the kitchen, everything is designed to evoke a sense of place. The result is hospitality that feels both luxurious and deeply personal.
How a Picnic Can Elevate an Experience:
Why does something as simple as a picnic leave such an impression? Because, it’s a masterclass in slowing down. It invites you to linger, to taste, to look around. In an era of fast itineraries and digital distraction, that kind of pause feels almost radical.
A picnic, especially one like Twin Farms curates, reminds us that travel isn’t just about where you go, but how you feel while you’re there. The scent of wood smoke, the sound of wind in the trees, the taste of wine against mountain air, all of it connects you to the moment in a way a restaurant never could.
For travelers seeking luxury, that connection is often the greatest indulgence of all.
How to Bring the Art of Picnicking Into Your Own Travels:
Choose your setting thoughtfully. Look for a place that feels inspiring—whether it’s a quiet meadow, a lakeside perch, or even your own backyard. The view matters less than the atmosphere.
Pack with care. Opt for foods that feel special, but not fussy—fresh bread, seasonal fruit, a good cheese, and a simple salad. It’s about flavor and freshness, not complication. Don’t forget the wine!
Ditch the disposable. Use real glasses, cloth napkins, and a sturdy, heavy blanket. Small touches like these elevate the experience and make it feel intentional.
Add a personal touch. Bring something that makes it yours—a favorite wine, a handwritten note, or your go-to playlist.
Be generous with time. Don’t rush. The beauty of a picnic lies in its unhurried pace. Sit, savor, and let conversation stretch into the quiet. Devote the time to lingering and being present. Bring a book or puzzle, take a nap, simply enjoy the time together after you eat.
Leave no trace. The elegance of the moment should extend to its ending—leave the space as beautiful as you found it.
At its heart, a picnic isn’t just a meal—it’s an act of presence. A reminder that some of life’s best experiences happen when we slow down long enough to truly see where we are.
Photo Courtesy of Twin Farms